Revive Us Again – Psalm 85
You do not have to have been an unfaithful Christian to find the need to respond again, if only in your heart, to the invitation. From time to time, we have family members who come forward and ask to have prayers, to be restored, to find strength from Christ and their church family. But you do not have to respond in that way to feel the need in your heart, in your spirit, to be revived.
George H. Morrison was a Scottish preacher who said, “The victorious Christian life is a series of new beginnings.” That’s what Psalm 85 is about – new beginnings. The Jews have returned from their 70-year exile in Babylon and they need to be revived.
Sometimes, you and I do too.
BE REMINDED YOUR SINS ARE FORGIVEN – 85:1-3:
This first strophe is a series of six statements that reflect on what God has done.
God is, indeed, the God of second chances and third chances and fourth chances. As long as we sincerely are wanting to do what is right, God’s forgiveness is always available. God does not want us to be lost. He wants us to be saved.
When you are discouraged and depressed, be reminded that you are forgiven of your sins in Christ. Thank God for His plan of salvation.
REFLECT ON THE NATURE OF GOD – 85:4-7:
This is the second stanza that focuses on God through a series of questions.
The indignation we receive is because of our sins. We can whitewash the fact that if we sin, God is angry with us. But, this verse is a prayer to God to “restore” and to “put away” or “cause to cease” His indignation. He will do that, if we will meet His conditions.
If you are discouraged and depressed, reflect on the nature of God. Ask Him for a renewed life.
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DO NOT GO BACK TO SINFUL HABITS – 85:8-9:
The third stanza covers the rest of the psalm but I am going to break it up and I am going to join the last two strophes into one stanza.
When we turn back from our sins, God receives us back into fellowship with Him, and we determine not to return to our former foolishness. When we fear, respect and reverence God, His salvation is in our presence as well as His glory – the glorious presence of God, which is ours today, through Jesus Christ.
If we want to stay revived, don’t go back into sin! Fill your heart with God’s word and there will be less room for Satan!
REFLECT ON THE BLESSINGS OF GOD – 85:10-13:
We are surrounded by God’s nature, His truth and His righteousness! What a beautiful thought. We are never far from the goodness of God.
This sentiment is even more true with us Christians because it is truly in Christ where the truth, righteousness, peace, and lovingkindness all met, kissed, and find their embodiment.
Follow God’s path to receive the fruitful blessings He has to give.
To be revived again in our spiritual lives: be reminded our sins are forgiven; reflect on the nature of God; don’t go back into sinful habits; reflect on the bountiful blessings God gives.
Engaging others in evangelism is a wonderful way to stir up the fire within you!
–Paul Holland
